Baby Talk - Flu Season

The best defense is a good offense, but sometimes the virus still wins! The following information may help you if baby contracts the flu.

• People and things – Your child can catch the flu from an infected person, who may not yet be displaying symptoms, through a sneeze or cough. As we all know, babies and young children put everything in their mouths. So, the flu virus can be also be transmitted via touching something that an infected person touched and then right to the mouth!

• “High risk” concerns – The flu virus affects babies and toddlers differently than it does adults. Children under five are considered at “high risk” because they are more prone to complications related to the flu, including pneumonia, than healthy adults.

• Flu (influenza) vs stomach flu – Influenza and the stomach flu do not present in the same fashion. Influenza symptoms include body aches, fever, chills, sore throat, congestion, and coughs that are not associated with the stomach flu. Diarrhea and vomiting are leading symptoms of the stomach flu.

• Treating the flu – Of course, the first step is taking your little one to the pediatrician for proper diagnosis. Then encourage plenty of rest/naps, quiet activities, and lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Applesauce, broth, jello, and popsicles are all great for toddlers, while nursing or formula will keep an infant from dehydrating. Additionally, fevers and chills may require dressing your child in layers, while saline drops and a rubber suction bulb to remove mucus may help your child to be more comfortable.

What suggestions do you have for treating the flu? Please, share.